Lemon Mousse Recipe: How to Make Lemon Mousse
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Feb 1, 2023 • 2 min read
This easy lemon mousse is the ultimate no-bake summer dessert. Liven up your Easter dessert spread or outdoor celebration with this cool treat.
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What Is Lemon Mousse?
Lemon mousse is a creamy dessert that combines thick, cooked custard with airy whipped cream. This summer-friendly mousse gets infused with the citrusy taste of fresh lemon juice and zest, making it the perfect refreshing dessert for backyard dinner parties or warm weather brunches.
Serve your mousse as-is, or dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, and crumbled cookies for textural and taste variation.
3 Tips for Making Lemon Mousse
Home cooks of all levels will be able to successfully craft lemon mousse. Follow these easy tips to make the best citrus mousse possible:
- 1. Cool the custard completely. It’s important to allow the lemon custard to cool completely before combining it with the whipped cream. Hot custard will cause the whipped cream to melt, deflating the ingredient that gives the mousse its light, airy texture.
- 2. Experiment with toppings. Dress up this simple dessert with a variety of toppings and add-ins. Garnish the mousse with a generous dollop of whipped cream, lemon curd, fresh berries (like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries), powdered sugar, or lemon slices. For textural contrast, top the mousse with crushed cookies or chopped nuts.
- 3. Prepare in advance. Make this lemony confection up to 2 days before you plan to serve it. Store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator until it’s time to enjoy.
Best Lemon Mousse Recipe
makes
prep time
15 mintotal time
25 mincook time
10 minIngredients
Note: The total time does not include 2 hours of inactive time.
- 1
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, whole milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until combined.
- 2
Whisk the lemon juice into the egg yolk mixture.
- 3
On the stovetop, place the saucepan over medium heat and, constantly stirring, bring the mixture to a light simmer.
- 4
Stirring constantly, cook the custard mixture until slightly thick, about 2–3 minutes.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the lemon zest.
- 6
Transfer the cooked lemon custard to a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill until it is cold, about 2 hours.
- 7
Make the whipped cream. Add the heavy cream to a large mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to beat it on high speed until soft peaks form, about 4–5 minutes. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- 8
When the custard is cold throughout, remove it from the fridge. Gently fold most of the whipped cream into the lemon custard until well incorporated.
- 9
Spoon the lemon mousse into serving dishes, and top with a dollop of the remaining whipped cream and lemon zest before serving.
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